Scleral lenses offer innovative relief for those suffering from severe dry eyes. By providing a fluid-filled reservoir that shields and hydrates the ocular surface, these specialized lenses can significantly improve comfort and vision clarity. Find a top optometrist near you to learn more about how scleral lenses can enhance your eye health.
Severe dry eyes can make daily life uncomfortable and affect vision clarity. Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses that cushion the eye with a reservoir of fluid, providing relief and sharper vision for those with persistent dry eye symptoms.
Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. They create a fluid-filled reservoir that protects and hydrates the ocular surface throughout the day.
Scleral lenses have a unique, bowl-like shape that vaults over the cornea and lands gently on the sclera. This design creates a space that is filled with sterile saline solution to keep the eye surface hydrated and shielded from external irritants all day long.
Unlike soft lenses, which conform to the corneal shape and can worsen dryness, scleral lenses do not touch the cornea, reducing irritation. Compared to smaller rigid gas permeable lenses, scleral lenses are larger, which enhances comfort and stability, making them ideal for irregular corneas and severe dry eye patients.
Scleral lenses are made from highly oxygen-permeable materials that allow adequate oxygen to flow to the cornea despite their size. This is critical for maintaining long-term corneal health and preventing complications during extended wear.
By creating a fluid reservoir and shielding the ocular surface, scleral lenses address both the symptoms and underlying surface damage associated with severe dry eye conditions.
The lens is filled with a sterile saline solution before insertion, creating a continuous reservoir of moisture that bathes the cornea. This tear reservoir keeps the eye surface hydrated, smooths the ocular surface for clearer vision, and reduces dryness symptoms for extended periods.
The fluid layer acts as a cushioning barrier that prevents direct contact between the lens and the sensitive corneal surface, minimizing friction. It also protects against environmental factors such as wind, dust, and allergens, which allows damaged or compromised corneas to heal.
The scleral lens rests on the less sensitive sclera, avoiding contact with corneal nerves that often cause discomfort with other lens types. This stable fit, combined with the fluid cushion, helps reduce the burning, scratching, and foreign body sensation common in severe dry eye patients.
By creating a smooth optical surface over an irregular or damaged cornea, scleral lenses correct astigmatism and other distortions. This results in clearer, more stable, and more reliable vision throughout the day.
Since the lenses provide continuous moisture and protection, many patients experience a reduced reliance on frequent artificial tear use. This simplifies daily dry eye management and improves overall convenience.
Scleral lenses are suitable for patients with significant tear film deficiencies or advanced corneal surface disorders that make wearing conventional lenses difficult or impossible.
Patients with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or graft-versus-host disease, or those with inadequate tear production, benefit from the constant hydration scleral lenses provide. This can relieve pain and redness, helping prevent long-term corneal damage.
In diseases like keratoconus where the cornea loses its normal shape, scleral lenses vault over the irregular surface. The fluid reservoir creates a smooth new refractive surface, offering clearer and more stable vision than glasses or other contacts.
Following procedures such as corneal transplants, cross-linking, or refractive surgery, scleral lenses protect the sensitive healing tissue. They maintain moisture, reduce discomfort, and shield the eye during the recovery phase.
Conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, neurotrophic keratopathy, and chemical burns severely damage the ocular surface. Scleral lenses manage these conditions effectively by shielding and hydrating compromised tissue, reducing pain and promoting healing.
Patients who cannot tolerate soft or smaller rigid lenses due to persistent dryness, discomfort, or an irregular corneal shape often find scleral lenses to be a comfortable alternative that allows for longer wear time and better symptom control.
A comprehensive and precise fitting process ensures that your scleral lenses provide maximum benefit, comfort, and safety.
An in-depth assessment evaluates the severity and type of dry eye, ocular surface health, and any potential contraindications to lens wear. This ensures that scleral lenses are a safe and suitable option for your specific needs.
Advanced diagnostic tools such as corneal topography and scleral mapping are used to capture the exact dimensions of your cornea and sclera. These precise measurements are essential for designing a lens that is customized to your unique eye shape.
Your initial fitting will involve testing multiple trial lenses to refine vault height, edge alignment, and fluid reservoir depth. Follow-up visits allow our team to make fine-tuning adjustments to optimize fit, comfort, and vision.
After your lenses are finalized, you will receive thorough, hands-on training on how to properly insert, remove, clean, and handle them. This education is key to ensuring safe, effective use and long-term success with your scleral lenses.
Maintaining a strict hygiene routine and proper lens care are essential for preventing infections, ensuring comfort, and prolonging the life of your lenses.
After removal, rub your lenses gently with a recommended rigid lens cleaner and rinse thoroughly with a sterile solution. This removes debris, protein deposits, and bacteria that can irritate the eye or reduce lens clarity.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses. Fill the lens bowl completely with preservative-free sterile saline before insertion. Use a small plunger or the proper pinch method for removal to protect the lens integrity.
Lenses must be stored overnight in a fresh, approved disinfecting solution designed for gas permeable lenses. Avoid using tap water or multipurpose solutions intended for soft lenses, as this increases the risk of serious eye infections.
Periodic eye exams allow your provider to monitor the lens fit, your ocular health, and the condition of the lenses themselves. These check-ups are important for making timely adjustments and avoiding complications.
Contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision today to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards finding relief from severe dry eyes.
Understanding both the advantages and potential drawbacks of scleral lenses helps patients make informed decisions about their eye care options.
Scleral lenses provide multiple significant benefits for patients with challenging eye conditions.
Though generally safe, some potential risks and side effects should be considered.
The cost of scleral lenses includes the custom lens fabrication, the fitting process, and follow-up care visits. Many insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for medically necessary scleral lenses. We recommend discussing financial details with your provider to understand your expected expenses.
If severe dry eyes are impacting your quality of life, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our eye care team to determine if scleral lenses are the right solution for you.
Contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision today to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards finding relief from severe dry eyes.
Understand how scleral lenses can provide comfort and vision correction for severe dry eyes. Find a top eye care specialist to get started.
